Safety Interlock

ABSTRACT

A safety interlock for use in a medical device having a control system for controlling operation of the medical device includes a central tubular portion defining a fluid passage for passing fluid through the safety interlock. An outer ring portion is adapted for mounting the safety interlock in the medical device. A spoked connector portion connects the central tubular portion to the outer ring portion so that the outer ring portion is spaced radially outwardly from the central tubular portion in opposed relation with at least a portion of the central tubular portion. The safety interlock is adapted for mounting in the medical device in a path of electromagnetic radiation from a source of electromagnetic radiation such that the central tubular portion reflects the electromagnetic radiation to a electromagnetic radiation detector when properly loaded on the medical device.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a pump set for delivering fluids to a patient by way of a flow control apparatus, and more particularly to a pump set having a safety interlock device for determining secure loading of the pump set on the flow control apparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Administering fluids containing medicine or nutrition to a patient is well known in the art. Fluids can be delivered to patients by gravity flow, but often are delivered to the patient by a pump set loaded on a flow control apparatus, such as a peristaltic pump, which delivers fluid to the patient at a controlled rate of delivery. A peristaltic pump usually comprises a housing that includes a rotor or the like operatively engaged to at least one motor through a gearbox. The rotor drives fluid through the tubing of the pump set by the peristaltic action effected by rotation of the rotor by the motor. The motor is operatively connected to a rotatable shaft that drives the rotor, which in turn progressively compresses the tubing and drives the fluid at a controlled rate through the pump set. A controller operates the motor to drive the rotor. Other types of peristaltic pumps not employing rotors are also known.

In order for the pump to deliver an accurate amount of fluid corresponding with the flow parameters programmed into the pump, the administration feeding set must be correctly loaded on the pump. If the pump set is misaligned in the pump, the pump may deliver an inaccurate amount of fluid to a patient or the pump generates a low flow alarm requiring the condition to be examined and the set reloaded. Existing pumps have systems to detect whether the pump set is properly loaded. An example of such a pump having a detection system is shown in co-assigned U.S. Pat. No. 4,913,703, entitled SAFETY INTERLOCK SYSTEM FOR MEDICAL FLUID PUMPS and U.S. Publication No. 2007/0253833, entitled PUMP SET WITH SAFETY INTERLOCK, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, a safety interlock for use in a medical device having a control system for controlling operation of the medical device generally comprises a central tubular portion defining a fluid passage for passing fluid through the safety interlock. An outer ring portion is adapted for mounting the safety interlock in the medical device. A spoked connector portion connects the central tubular portion to the outer ring portion so that the outer ring portion is spaced radially outwardly from the central tubular portion in opposed relation with at least a portion of the central tubular portion. The safety interlock is adapted for mounting in the medical device in a path of electromagnetic radiation from a source of electromagnetic radiation such that the central tubular portion reflects the electromagnetic radiation to an electromagnetic radiation detector when properly loaded in the medical device.

Other objects and features will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective of an enteral feeding pump showing a fragmentary portion of a feeding set loaded in the pump;

FIG. 2 is a perspective of the pump without the feeding set;

FIG. 3 is an elevation of the administration feeding set;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the elements of the pump and feeding set;

FIG. 5 is a perspective of a safety interlock device of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged, fragmentary section of the pump and safety interlock device;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of FIG. 6; and

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of FIG. 7 showing the reflection of electromagnetic radiation off the safety interlock device.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, an enteral feeding pump (broadly, “a pumping apparatus”) constructed according to the principles of the present invention is generally indicated at 1. The feeding pump comprises a housing generally indicated at 3 that is constructed so as to mount an administration feeding set (broadly, a “pump set”) generally indicated at 5 (see FIGS. 1 and 3). It will be appreciated that “housing” as used herein may include many forms of supporting structures (not shown), including without limitation multi-part structures and structures that do not enclose or house the working components of the pump 1. The pump 1 also has a display screen 9 on the front of the housing 3 that is capable of displaying information about the status and/or operation of the pump. Buttons 11 on the side of the display screen 9 are provided for use in controlling and obtaining information from the pump 1. It will be understood that although the illustrated pump 1 is an enteral feeding pump, the present invention has application to other types of peristaltic pumps (not shown), including medical infusion pumps. A pump of the same general type as described herein is shown in co-assigned U.S. Pat. No. 4,909,797 entitled ENTERAL DELIVERY SET WITH SHADED DRIP CHAMBER, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

The enteral feeding pump 1 further includes a pumping unit (indicated generally at 23) comprising a pump motor 25 located in the housing 3 and shown schematically in FIG. 4. An electrical cord 27 extends from the housing 3 for connection to a source of electrical power for the motor 25. Alternatively, or in addition, a battery (not shown) may be received in the housing 3 for powering the pump motor 25. The pumping unit 23 further includes a rotor (generally indicated at 37) mounted on a rotor shaft (not shown) of the pumping unit. The rotor 37 includes an inner disk 39, an outer disk 41 and three rollers 43 (only one is shown) mounted between the inner and outer disks for rotation about their longitudinal axes relative to the disks. In the illustrated embodiment, the pump motor 25, rotor shaft and rotor 37 may broadly be considered “a pumping device”. The pump housing 3 includes a first lower recess 45 above the rotor 37 and a second lower recess 47 generally adjacent the first lower recess. The housing 3 has an upper recess 49 generally axially aligned with the first lower recess 45 and a shoulder 51 at the bottom of the upper recess for receiving and holding part of the feeding set 5. A curved recess 53 in the housing 3 above the second lower recess 47 receives and holds another part of the administration feeding set 5 in place. The lower recesses 45, 47, upper recess 49 and curved recess 51 may broadly be considered, individually or as a group, “a receiving portion” of the housing 3 that receives parts of the administration feeding set 5 in a manner that will be described in more detail hereinafter.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the administration feeding set 5 comprises tubing (broadly, “a conduit”) indicated generally at 55 that provides a fluid pathway between at least one source of fluid and a patient. Tubing 55 can be made of a medical grade, deformable silicone and comprises first tube section 57 connected between a drip chamber 59 and a safety interlock device, generally indicated at 61. A second tube section 63 is connected to the safety interlock device 61 and at an outlet of the tubing 55 to a connector, such as a barbed connector 65, suitable for connection to a gastrostomy device (not shown) attached to a patient. Third tube section 67 is connected at an inlet of the tubing 55 to a bag 69 of nutrient liquid and to the drip chamber 59. As previously stated, pump sets of different constructions may be used, for example a recertification set (not shown) may be used to verify and/or correct the pump accuracy. The pump 1 can be configured to automatically recognize what kind of set is installed and to alter its operation to conform to that called for by the particular pump set. Still further, the pump 1 can be configured to detect with sensors whether the first tube section 57 is properly installed on the pump.

As shown in FIG. 3, the safety interlock device 61 connects first tube section 57 and the second tube section 63 of the administration feeding set 5. The safety interlock device 61 has a central axial bore 81 to allow the flow of fluid between the first tube section 57 and the second tube section 63 (FIG. 6). Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the safety interlock device 61 has an upper central tubular portion 83 that receives a portion of the tube 57 and a lower central tubular portion 89 that is received in the second tube section 63 for attaching the second tube section to the safety interlock device. A spoked connector portion 87 extends radially outwardly from the central tubular portions 83, 89 to an outer ring portion 88. The spoked connector portion 87 includes a connector ring 84 received around the central tubular portions 83, 89 and spokes 86 extending radially outwardly from the connector ring to the outer ring portion 88. Thus, the outer ring portion 88 is spaced radially outwardly from the central tubular portions 83, 89 and in opposed relation with at least a portion of the central tubular portions. It is to be understood that the safety interlock device 61, and in particular the central tubular portions 83, 89 may be separate from the administration feeding set 5, and/or may be attached to the administration feeding set in such a way that liquid does not pass through the safety interlock device.

The outer ring potion 88 is sized to be received on a seat, indicated generally at 91 (FIG. 2), formed at the bottom of the second lower recess 47 in the pump 1 when the administration feeding set 5 is properly loaded on the pump (FIG. 1). In the illustrated embodiment, the seat 91 is generally semi-cylindrical to correspond with the shape of the safety interlock device 61 and includes an axially facing surface 95 in the second lower recess 47 and a radially facing surface 99 in the second lower recess 47. In this embodiment, proper functioning of the pump 1 is generally achieved when the central tubular portions 83, 89 are seated in substantially face-to-face relation with the axially facing surface 95 of the seat 91. The rotational orientation of the safety interlock 61, within the seat 91, about its axis is generally not pertinent to operation. Other ways of positioning the safety interlock 61 may be used within the scope of the present invention. The safety interlock device 61 and the seat 91 in the housing 3 may be shaped to prevent the administration feeding set 5 from being accidentally dislodged and to prevent the use of non-compliant feeding sets that do not have the safety interlock device. In the illustrated embodiment, the safety interlock device 61 and seat 91 are generally cylindrical in shape but it is understood that other shapes (e.g., hex-shaped) may be used for the safety interlock device and the seat.

The pump 1 can be programmed or otherwise controlled for operation in a desired manner. For instance, the pump 1 can begin operation to provide feeding fluids from bag 69 to the patient. The care giver may select, for example, the amount of fluid to be delivered, the rate at which the fluid is to be delivered and the frequency of fluid delivery. As shown in FIG. 4, the pump 1 has a controller 77 (broadly, “a control system”) including a microprocessor 79 that allows it to accept programming and/or to include pre-programmed operational routines that can be initiated by the care giver. The microprocessor 79 controls pump electronics 80 that operate the motor 25. A software subsystem 82 is used to determine if the feeding set 5 has been positioned properly on the pump 1.

Referring to FIGS. 4, 6 and 7, the pump 1 includes an infrared (“IR”) emitter 105 (broadly, “a source of electromagnetic radiation”) housed in the second lower recess 47. The IR emitter 105 is operatively connected to the controller 77 for emitting an electromagnetic signal having a (“first”) wavelength in the infrared range in a direction for striking the safety interlock device 61 of the feeding set 5. In the illustrated embodiment, the source of electromagnetic radiation is an infrared (IR) emitter 105 but it is understood that other types of sources of electromagnetic radiation may be used without departing from the scope of this invention. An infrared (“IR”) detector 109 located in the second lower recess 47 is operatively connected to the controller 77 for receiving the infrared signal from the IR emitter 105 and providing an indication to the controller that the feeding set 5 is properly positioned in the pump 1. In the illustrated embodiment, the IR detector 109 (broadly, “a first sensor”) detects infrared radiation but it is understood that electromagnetic radiation sensors that detect other types of electromagnetic radiation may be used without departing from the scope of this invention. The IR detector 109 distinguishes infrared radiation from other types of electromagnetic radiation (e.g., visible or ultraviolet light).

A visible light emitter 107(broadly, “a second source of electromagnetic radiation”) may be housed in the second lower recess 47. The visible light emitter 107 is operatively connected to the controller 77 for emitting an electromagnetic signal having a (“second”) wavelength in the visible range in a direction for striking the safety interlock device 61 of the feeding set 5. In the illustrated embodiment, the source of electromagnetic radiation is a visible light emitter 107 but it is understood that other types of sources of electromagnetic radiation may be used without departing from the scope of this invention. A visible light detector 111 (broadly, “a second electromagnetic radiation detector” and “a second sensor”) is housed in the second lower recess 47 generally adjacent the IR detector 109 and opposite the visible light emitter 107. The visible light detector 111 provides a signal to the controller 77 when visible light from the surrounding environment (e.g., electromagnetic radiation of a second wavelength) is detected to indicate that the safety interlock device 61 is not mounted in the second lower recess 47 in a position that blocks visible light from reaching the detector. Preferably, the visible light detector 111 is configured to detect electromagnetic radiation in the visible range, but not to detect electromagnetic radiation outside the visible range (e.g., infrared radiation). A second electromagnetic radiation detector could be configured to detect electromagnetic radiation in other ranges, such as in the ultraviolet range. Thus, the visible light detector 111 can distinguish visible light from infrared radiation. As used herein, electromagnetic radiation of a “first” or “second” wavelength is intended in each case to encompass a range of wavelengths, such as wavelengths falling in the infrared range, visible range and/or ultraviolet range.

Other sensors (not shown), such as a sensor that determines the type of pump set that has been placed in the pump 1 and a flow monitoring sensor can be in communication with the controller 77 to facilitate accurate operation of the pump. The IR emitter 105 is positioned in an alcove 113 in the second lower recess 47 of the housing 3 so that electromagnetic radiation (indicated by arrows Al in FIG. 7) from the emitter is directed to the upper central tubular portion 83 of the safety interlock device 61 (see also, FIG. 6). When the safety interlock device 61 is properly located on the seat 91, the infrared radiation from the IR emitter 105 is reflected off of the upper central tubular portion 83 so that the infrared radiation is directed to and detected by the IR detector 109. The connector portion 87 and outer ring portion 88 are disposed generally within a common horizontal plane when the safety interlock 61 is mounted in the pump 1. In the illustrated embodiment, the connector portion 87 and outer ring portion 88 are located out of the path of, or above, the radiation emitted from the IR emitter 105 when the safety interlock 61 is properly located on the seat 91. However, the connector portion 87 and outer ring portion could be located in the path of the radiation emitted from the IR emitter 105 or below the IR emitter.

The IR detector is positioned in an alcove 117 in the radially facing surface 99 of the seat 91, the visible light emitter 107 is positioned in an alcove 115, and the visible light detector 111 is positioned in an alcove 119. The alcoves 113, 115, 117, 119 recess the IR emitter 105, visible light emitter 107, and the IR and visible light detectors 109, 111 to protect them from physical contact with the safety interlock device 61. Although not shown, a clear plastic window may enclose each of the emitters 105, 107 and the detectors 109, 111 within their corresponding alcoves 113, 115, 117, 119 for additional protection. Moreover, the alcoves 117 and 119 help to shield the detectors 109 and 111 from ambient electromagnetic radiation (which may include both visible light and infrared radiation).

In the illustrated embodiment, the IR emitter 105 is located approximately 49 degrees from the IR detector 109. When the feeding set 5 is not loaded in the second lower recess 47 and the safety interlock device 61 is not received on the seat 91, the infrared radiation from the IR emitter 105 is not detected by the IR detector 109. Also when the safety interlock device 61 is not received on the seat 91, visible light from outside of the pump 1 (i.e., ambient light) and/or visible light from the visible light emitter 107 may enter the second lower recess 47 and is detected by the visible light detector 111. The central tubular portions 83, 89 are preferably constructed of a material that reflects infrared radiation, but is opaque to visible light. The connector portion 87 and outer ring portion 88 are preferably constructed of a material that is transparent to infrared radiation and visible light such as clear plastic. However, the outer ring portion 88 and/or connector portion 87 could be made of material that will not transmit visible light, but will transmit infrared radiation. In the illustrated embodiment, the central tubular portions 83, 89 are monolithic or formed by a single piece construction. However, the central tubular portions 83, 89 could be formed from separate pieces and attached together by a suitable means.

Referring now to FIG. 8, reflection of infrared radiation off of the upper central tubular portion 83 is schematically illustrated. The IR emitter 105 emits infrared radiation in a cone toward the side of the upper central tubular portion 83. The IR emitter 105 is arranged generally perpendicular to the central tubular portions 83, 89. The centerline CL of the cone is denoted in the drawing. For simplicity, we will look at a ray R1 of radiation that is a bisector of approximately one half of the cone. The ray R1 is representative of the nominal path of infrared radiation in this half of the cone. The other half of the cone (i.e., that portion above the centerline CL in FIG. 8) is believed to be of small or no use in providing a light signal capable of being detected by the IR detector 109. The ray R1 strikes the side of the upper central tubular portion 83 at an angle. The ray R1 is reflected back toward the side of the recess 47. Finally, the ray R1 strikes the side of the recess 47 at a location that is about 49 degrees away from the location of the IR emitter 105. Accordingly, the IR detector 109 is preferably positioned here, or in a range of around 0-50 degrees. In another embodiment of the present invention (not shown), an IR detector is positioned about 60 degrees from the IR emitter.

In use, the administration feeding set feeding fluid bag 69 can be hung from a suitable support, such as an IV pole (not shown). The drip chamber 59 can be placed in the first lower recess 45 and upper recess 49 in an operating position as shown in FIG. 1. The first tube section 57 is placed around the lower part of the rotor 37 and the safety interlock device 61 is placed on the seat 91 at the bottom of the second lower recess 47. The seat 91 in the second lower recess 47 is generally located so that the safety interlock device 61 can be placed into the second lower recess at a location in which the first tube section 57 is substantially stretched around the rotor 37. The IR emitter 105 and IR detector 109 may intermittently or continuously check for the presence of the properly loaded feeding set 5. When the safety interlock device 61 is received in a proper operating position on the seat 91, the infrared signal from the IR emitter 105 is directed to the upper central tubular portion 83. The central tubular portion reflects the infrared signal from the IR emitter on to the IR detector 109 (see FIGS. 7 and 8). The IR detector is periodically operated and detects the presence of infrared radiation when the feeding set 5 has been properly loaded on the pump. It is understood that the IR detector 109 is preferably unable to detect electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength in the visible light region of the electromagnetic spectrum. Upon detection of the infrared signal, the IR detector 109 sends a corresponding signal to the microprocessor 79. Also, when the safety interlock device 61 is loaded onto the seat 91, visible light from ambient light and from the visible light emitter 107 is blocked by the central tubular portions 83, 89 from reaching the visible light detector 111. When the set 5 is loaded, the visible light detector 111 sends a signal to the microprocessor 79 to indicate that visible light is blocked and the pump 1 may be operated.

Having described the invention in detail, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention defined in the appended claims.

When introducing elements of the present invention or the preferred embodiments(s) thereof, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising”, “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of the invention are achieved and other advantageous results attained.

As various changes could be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. 

1. A safety interlock for use in a medical device having a control system for controlling operation of the medical device, a source of electromagnetic radiation operatively connected to the control system of the medical device for emitting electromagnetic radiation, and an electromagnetic radiation detector operatively connected to the control system for providing an indication that the safety interlock is properly loaded on the medical device, the safety interlock comprising: a central tubular portion defining a fluid passage for passing fluid through the safety interlock; an outer ring portion adapted for mounting the safety interlock in the medical device; and a spoked connector portion connecting the central tubular portion to the outer ring portion so that the outer ring portion is spaced radially outwardly from the central tubular portion in opposed relation with at least a portion of the central tubular portion; the safety interlock being adapted for mounting in the medical device in a path of the electromagnetic radiation from the source of electromagnetic radiation such that the central tubular portion reflects the electromagnetic radiation to the electromagnetic radiation detector when properly loaded in the medical device. 2-9. (canceled)
 10. The safety interlock of claim 1, wherein the outer ring portion and the spoked connector portion are disposed generally within a common horizontal plane when the safety interlock is mounted in the medical device.
 11. The safety interlock of claim 10, wherein the outer ring portion does not inhibit propagation of the electromagnetic radiation from the source of electromagnetic radiation when the safety interlock is mounted in the medical device.
 12. The safety interlock of claim 11, wherein the outer ring portion and the spoked connector portion are substantially transparent to both infrared radiation and visible light.
 13. The safety interlock of claim 1, wherein the spoked connector portion comprises a connector ring received around the central tubular portion and spokes extending radially outwardly from the connector ring to the outer ring portion.
 14. The safety interlock of claim 13, wherein the spoked connector portion comprises at least two spokes.
 15. The safety interlock of claim 14, wherein the spoked connector portion comprises four spokes.
 16. The safety interlock of claim 1, wherein the spoked connector portion is formed at least in part by two separate spokes.
 17. The safety interlock of claim 1, in combination with the medical device. 